Overview
The Machame route, known as the “Whiskey Route”, is one of the most beautiful ways to climb Kilimanjaro, passing through rainforest, heath and alpine desert to the snows of the summit. Our 8-day programme includes a seven-day climb with an extra acclimatisation day at Karanga Camp, significantly improving your chances of reaching Uhuru Peak (5,895 m).
You are supported by an experienced mountain crew — qualified guides, cooks and porters — with quality tents, daily health checks with a pulse oximeter and emergency oxygen.
Route
Highlights
- Summit Uhuru Peak at 5,895 m
- Seven days on the mountain for better acclimatisation
- Barranco Wall scramble
- Five climate zones from rainforest to glaciers
- Experienced guides and daily health checks
Activities
- Coffee tour
- Canoeing
- Walking safari
- Trekking
- Summit climb
- Waterfall walks around Moshi
Day-by-day itinerary
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Day 1:
Arrive in Arusha
ArushaArrive at Kilimanjaro International Airport and transfer to your hotel. Your lead guide will visit in the evening to check your equipment and brief you on the climb.
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Day 2:
Machame Gate to Machame Camp (2,835 m)
KilimanjaroDrive to Machame Gate (1,800 m), register and begin climbing through lush rainforest, home to colobus monkeys, to Machame Camp. Walking time about 5–7 hours.
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Day 3:
Machame Camp to Shira Camp (3,750 m)
KilimanjaroLeave the forest behind and climb through heather and giant heath onto the Shira Plateau, with the first views of Kibo. Walking time about 4–6 hours.
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Day 4:
Lava Tower to Barranco Camp (3,900 m)
KilimanjaroClimb high to the Lava Tower (4,630 m) for acclimatisation, then descend into the Barranco Valley among giant groundsels. Walking time about 6–8 hours.
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Day 5:
Barranco Wall to Karanga Camp (3,995 m)
KilimanjaroScramble up the famous Barranco Wall — a non-technical but exhilarating climb — and traverse to Karanga Camp. A shorter day for acclimatisation. Walking time about 4–5 hours.
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Day 6:
Karanga to Barafu Camp (4,673 m)
KilimanjaroA short climb through alpine desert to Barafu Camp. Rest, eat an early dinner and prepare for the summit attempt. Walking time about 3–4 hours.
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Day 7:
Summit Day: Uhuru Peak (5,895 m)
KilimanjaroBegin around midnight, climbing by headlamp to Stella Point on the crater rim and on to Uhuru Peak for sunrise over Africa. Descend to Mweka Camp (3,100 m) for a well-earned rest. Walking time about 12–15 hours.
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Day 8:
Descend & Depart
KilimanjaroDescend through the rainforest to Mweka Gate to collect your summit certificate, then transfer to Arusha for a hot shower and lunch, or to the airport for your onward flight.
Meals: B = breakfast, L = lunch, D = dinner.
Accommodation
This itinerary is priced with mid-range accommodation. Every property is chosen for its location, guiding and service; final properties are confirmed at booking and we can upgrade or adjust any night.
- ArushaGarden lodge on the outskirts of Arusha1 night
- KilimanjaroMountain camp (Machame Camp)1 night
- KilimanjaroMountain camp (Shira Camp)1 night
- KilimanjaroMountain camp (Barranco Camp)1 night
- KilimanjaroMountain camp (Karanga Camp)1 night
- KilimanjaroMountain camp (Barafu Camp)1 night
- KilimanjaroMountain camp (Mweka Camp)1 night
Meals: Full board on safari; breakfast and dinner in cities and at the beach
What's included
Included
- Private 4x4 safari vehicle with pop-up roof and a professional English-speaking driver-guide
- Accommodation as listed (or similar, subject to availability)
- Meals as listed in the day-by-day itinerary
- All national park, reserve and conservation fees
- Arrival and departure airport transfers
- Bottled drinking water during the safari
- All government taxes and levies
- 24-hour in-country support from our Nairobi office
- Kilimanjaro National Park fees, camping fees and rescue fees
- Qualified mountain guides, assistant guides, cook and porters
- Mountain tents, sleeping mats, mess tent, tables and chairs
- Daily health checks, pulse oximeter and emergency oxygen
Not included
- International flights
- Visa fees
- Comprehensive travel insurance (required)
- Tips and gratuities for guides and lodge staff
- Drinks other than drinking water, unless stated
- Personal expenses such as laundry, phone calls and souvenirs
- Sleeping bag and personal trekking gear (available to hire)
- Tips for the mountain crew
Travel information
Best time to travel
January to early March and June to October, the driest months. Full-moon summit nights are popular.
What to pack
- Four-season sleeping bag (rated to −10°C)
- Broken-in waterproof hiking boots
- Thermal base layers, fleece and down jacket
- Waterproof jacket and trousers
- Warm hat, gloves and buff
- Headlamp with spare batteries
- Trekking poles
- Water bottles or hydration bladder (3 litres)
- Neutral-coloured, lightweight clothing (khaki, olive, beige)
- A warm fleece or jacket for early mornings and evenings
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Sun hat, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen
- Binoculars and a camera with spare batteries and memory cards
- Insect repellent and personal medication
- A soft-sided bag rather than a hard suitcase
Experiences on this safari
Frequently asked questions
Is this a private safari?
Yes. This itinerary runs privately for your own group, with your own vehicle and guide. It can start on any date, and we can adjust the route, pace and accommodation to suit you.
What does the price include?
The guide price from USD 2,650 per person is based on two people sharing mid-range accommodation in the low season. It includes accommodation, the meals and activities listed, park fees and transfers. Prices vary by season and group size; we confirm an exact quote when you enquire.
How fit do I need to be?
You should be comfortable walking 6–8 hours a day for several days. No mountaineering experience is needed, but training hikes beforehand are strongly recommended.
What is the success rate on this route?
Longer itineraries with good acclimatisation have much higher summit success. Our 7-day climb includes a short acclimatisation day at Karanga, and our guides monitor you closely.
Can I add a safari after the climb?
Yes — our 3-Day Tanzania Safari or a Zanzibar beach stay are popular ways to recover after the climb.
Gallery
Enquire about this safari
Every date is available on request. Tell us when you would like to travel and we will send a tailored quote — adjustments welcome.
